Child Passenger Safety Week is drawing attention to a troubling trend as a new study finds many children are moving out of car seats and booster seats before they are ready.<\/p>\n
Data from the National Digital Car Seat Check Form found more than 86% of children evaluated last year had transitioned to an adult seat belt too soon.<\/p>\n
The study also found nearly 74% of car seats were installed or used incorrectly. Common mistakes included loose seats, loose harness straps and failing to use the top tether strap with forward-facing car seats.<\/p>\n
In New York, children must be at least 8 years old and 4 feet 9 inches tall before they can stop using a booster seat. In Connecticut, children must be at least 8 years old and weigh 60 pounds.<\/p>\n
The New York Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is encouraging parents and caregivers to take advantage of free car seat inspections offered by certified child passenger safety technicians.<\/p>\n
Click here to see seat check events:<\/p>\n